Torah and Inspiration

Raising a Constant Flame

by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Not just any oil was suitable for the Temple menorah. The Torah stipulates that the oil be particularly refined, made from hand- crushed olives, so that it will “raise up a constant flame” (Ex. 27:20). Why this unusual phrase, ‘to raise up the flame’? Why not say simply, ‘to kindle the … Read more

Betzalel’s Wisdom

by Rabbi Chanan Morrison The Torah reading of Terumah begins the section dealing with building the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and making the priestly clothes. These chapters are among the few in which the Torah places great emphasis on external beauty — art, craftsmanship, and aesthetics. Of particular interest is the protagonist of this unique construction: the … Read more

Repairing the World

In the Torah portion of Mishpatim we read of an astounding account: And Moses and Aaron, Nadav and Avihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel ascended, and they perceived the G-d of Israel, and beneath His feet was like the forming of a sapphire brick and like the appearance of the heavens for clarity.. … Read more

A Pure Revelation

by Rabbi Chanan Morrison “Moses awoke early in the morning and climbed Mount Sinai.” (Ex. 34:4) The text emphasizes that Moses ascended the mountain at daybreak to receive the Torah. The Sages taught that Moses’ subsequent descent from Sinai to transmit the Torah to the people also took place at first light. “Just as his … Read more

The Lessons Of The moon

What are we to learn from the first commandment given to the people of Israel as a people; “ And HaShem spoke unto Moshe and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying: ‘This (HaZeh) month will be to you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.” ( … Read more